I provide commentary on political economy, police and prosecutorial abuse, and whatever else might come to mind.
Let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24 (ESV)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Tonya Craft: Looking at the Evidence: The Prosecution's "Conspiracy Theory"

One of the current themes with the prosecution is this: The defense is alleging a huge "conspiracy" involving families, the prosecutors, the CAC, and, of course, the children, all out to get poor Tonya Craft. According to Len Gregor and Chris Arnt, the defense has been engaging in bad faith by insinuating that the prosecution has been goading witnesses into not telling the truth.

Actually, the prosecution has been goading witnesses into not telling the truth, so I'm not sure where the claims of bad faith really lie. Nevertheless, let us look at this "conspiracy" angle, because while no one on the defense has alleged the ridiculous conspiracy theory as caricatured by the prosecutors, nonetheless, in the legal term, a conspiracy is exactly what we have.

Now, did all of the parties to this prosecution, from Sandra Lamb to Joal Henke to the children to the prosecutors gather together in a really big room, with Brian House calling the meeting together with a declaration: We are here to falsely accuse Tonya Craft of child molestation? Of course not. It is quite rare that any conspiracy like that ever exists.

However, what we have had has been a group of people whose agendas have dovetailed, and THAT is good enough for a conspiracy, at least legally-speaking. (Under federal law, the standards for "conspiracy" are so lax that Brian House's eye contact with Arnt and Gregor in the courtroom would be legal evidence of a conspiracy, and federal prosecutors have managed to get convictions for less.)

Sandra Lamb wanted to be, well, Sandra Lamb, and Sherry Wilson wanted revenge for Tonya's recommendation her daughter be held back in kindergarten. Joal and Sarah Bass Henke wanted to take custody of the children of Joal and Tonya, and both were willing to lie for it. The various Children's Advocacy Center "interviewers" wanted to be important and there was Mondale Act and Annie E. Casey Foundation money to be had. Arnt and Gregor wanted to get another feather in their caps, and Brian House wanted to look like a "tough on crime" judge.

In other words, there was something in it for everyone, and it might even have worked had not Tonya Craft herself stood up for her own innocence. To put it mildly, her failure to play the good victim has enraged the parties favoring the State of Georgia, but in the end, despite the demonizing she has received nightly from the clueless reporters at Channel 9 (and I hope all decent people will boycott that sorry news operation for eternity), she has won the hearts of the good people.

For example, after she gave her testimony on Monday, Dr. Nancy Aldridge told Tonya she supported her admonitions of innocence. Given that Dr. Aldridge is the Gold Standard in understanding sexually abused children and the adults that abuse them, this was not only a major personal victory for Tonya, but also a massive rebuke to the prosecution.

(Because of the gag order, Dr. Aldridge cannot make a public statement about the case, but you can bet she will when this trial is over. In fact, others will make public statements, and that is going to spell a lot of trouble for many of the characters who have been part of the prosecution's "team.")

As for the "conspiracy," all that was needed was for all parties to push on as though none of them could be wrong. That they spend a year badgering children, implanting false memories through abusive interrogation techniques, and, when all else failed, giving them a script to recite, tells us what we need to know about the prosecutors.

If there was a "conspiracy," it was the Lambs, the Wilson, the McDonalds, Joal and Sarah Bass Henke, the staff of the CAC, the prosecutors, Channel 9, and Judge House joining together to help abuse three young girls, to use them in a most disgusting and reprehensible manner in order to use them as a vehicle to destroy as many human lives as possible. No, they did not dream up the entire scenario at the beginning; they took it one step at a time, but when you look back, you can connect the dots very easily.

Contra Gregor and Arnt, no traditional "conspiracy" is needed. All that has been needed was for this cast of rogues, scoundrels and perjurers to be close enough together to where their own lack of judgment, their arrogance, and their own conniving personalities could intertwine.

So, while Gregor believes he really is clever when he pulls out his "conspiracy" theories, just as he thinks he is clever when he gives us the "believe the children" arguments, in the end he is nothing more than another sleazy prosecutor willing to pull any trick to win. Men like Gregor care nothing about right and wrong; they just want to win at all costs, and how many innocent lives are destroyed in the balance means nothing to them.

With Dr. Aldridge having flat out declared that their case is based upon falsehoods, Arnt and Gregor should have the decency to give it up and to drop charges. Instead, they want to continue to run toward the cliff, caring not about the consequences of their actions.

People like that should not be prosecutors; they should not hold a law degree or a law license. They should be cleaning the toilets of their innocent victims with their tongues.

Wouldn't it be great if after the trial is over and Tonya is found not guilty that Joal and his silly immature wife were to receive a telephone call from Joal's daughter which she says "Daddy, I will not see you for a long, long time"?

There are some people in this community who are unable to see the conspiracy angle in this case and scoff at the idea, citing that it would be ridiculous for so many people to come together to lie against one woman, Tonya Craft. What they fail to realize is that there are different motivations for each party to railroad this woman, but Bill Anderson has explained the motivation for each party perfectly.

I would also like to say that Gregor's bad behavior, the slamming of books and such, reminds me very much of a 2 year-old who is throwing a temper tantrum because he's not getting his way. Gregor wants us (and specifically the jury) to believe that it is the media's fault that his case is weak and that the prosecution is viewed negatively. He is insinuating that the lowly citizens of the community that he is suppose to serve cannot think for ourselves and must rely on the media to spoon-feed us. Get a clue, Gregor. Awww..nobody likes him. LOL It is all about him, isn't it? Who is the narcissist?

I have taken a public stand on facebook in support of Tonya and have lost some friends because of it. Guess they weren't real friends after all, but it is sad what this has done to so many lives. I know people want to believe these children, but the facts speak for themselves. Knowing what I know of Catoosa County, Tim Deal, DFCS, CAC, Len Gregor and others, I strongly felt like Tonya was innocent, but after following the case for the last four weeks, I know without a doubt in my mind that she is innocent. This case shows us how followers of Jim Jones drank his koolaid, those of you who still believe these children haven't been spoon fed lies, you are drinking the koolaid.

I would like to say something to those of you who have lost God in all of this...The Bible says, "Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man soweth THAT shall he also reap." It is interesting how it applies to this situation. These accusers have been ripping Tonya apart in their gossip sessions for years now. As I read the comments on many of Mr. Andersons posts, I see that all of this is coming back at them with such a force...they can't control it! It is also coming from so many sources. Sometimes we think that everything negative is wrong. Yes, and sometimes some of the posts may seem below the belt...but I guess we are just witnessing people receiving the "fruits of their labor" as their harvest comes in...

I remember when I went to vote (and yes I am ashamed to say I voted for OutHouse) I ran into an old high school friend at the voting place. This old friend has been in trouble with the law (drugs, shooting a person, and stealing)many times. Well, I asked him what are you doing at the voting place and his reply was, "I am here to get people to vote for Brian House". You see, House was his attorney through all his troubles and I asked him why he is out here trying to get people to vote and he said "House is making me hold up signs for him because he will remember that I did when I go before him in court".

Someone posted yesterday about someone knocking on their door and campaining for House, then seen them in court as a defendant.

Well said. It all comes down to a custody battle & revenge. Since Tonya is not wealthy nor famous, the "team" was not ready when she decided to fight for her life. They decided she would get someone within their "network" and at the very least, plea bargain. Well boys, Lambs, McDonalds, Henkes & Wilsons, I guess you children bit off more than you can chew. You have turned the majority of a community against you. I am sorry that Tonya is the vehicle by which you are swerving out of control, but God's will be done, she will own you when all is said & done.

Lamb, was it really worth it for your daughter's True Hollywood Story? Henke, was it really worth the loss of your child's innocence & any custody (you will lose it in Hamilton County when this is over)?McDonald, was it really worth the praise & love of Sandra Lamb & Sherri Wilson?Wilson, was it really worth your "friendships" to Lamb & McDonald, and the loss of business?

All of you, including Arnt, Gregor, House, Deal & the "investigators" of the CAC, will have a judgement day here on Earth & in heaven. I believe, in all that I am, that you will lose your jobs & be humiliated in front of this community & quite frankly the world. You have destroyed lives & that my friends (not really my friends), will cost you the ultimate price.

I'm going to get my beer & chips ready as I watch you be destroyed. Most of us are in for the long haul & will never forget this or let it die down.

So...where have the trolls gone to lately? I've not seen them on here. HAHA! I guess it is really hard to read the truth about yourself day after day and realize that maybe you aren't so perfect or loved as you thought you were huh? HAHA!

Great blog, Bill. If those jurors convict her after the spanking Dr. Aldridge gave the boys,then there is no doubt in my mind - they were bought and paid for. I never think I can be more convinced of Tonya's innocence...and then there is another day of court. :)

House said in court yesterday for Dr. Lorandos to stop making "disparaging" remarks about the court... a comment that undoubtedly made the assistant da's smile.the definition of disparaging is: contemptuous or disapproving. the definition of contemptuous is: demonstrating an utter lack of respect for somebody or something.Brian House, if you do not appreciate disparaging remarks, then stop giving the people reason to make disparaging remarks. you and your two ada's have demonstrated contemptuous behavior from day one. you have no respect for the judicial system. you have no respect for truth and honor. you have no respect for the people of catoosa county. i pray to God that you will be removed from the bench on which you sit and punished for your contemptuous behavior.

My heart just breaks for Tonya. I find it reprehensible that two grown men would behave the way that Arnt and Gregor have. I find it even more reprehensible that a judge (House) would be a part of it. Pay day will come someday and they will have a lot of paying to do. They are so unprofessional in their conduct that it is a shame and disgrace to the judical system.House needs removed from the bench. Dumb and Dumber needs disbarred.

Sarah, I know you know that Joal is cheating. Do you just want to pretend like your a big happy family so much that you let him do this to you. Has he already broke you down so much that you think you will be nothing without him? I urge you to get some mental health (I am being sincere here). He may not be physically abusing you but he is in so many other ways. If you don't believe me hire a PI. I have already lost 1 friend because I know that she has been with him. Yes in the last 6 months. He is using you for his personal servent. If you think you are living God's will by standing by your man you are crazy. God doesn't mean for us to be doormats. A true man of god never cheats.

Okay everyone Tonya is suppose to take the stand on Wednesday. If you can only take 1 day off this week from work. Everyone lets take that day. I will be in the courtroom. Lets fill both sides. Wear the brightest yellow that you have.

After witnessing the prosecutors' behavior first hand, all I have to say is this:

If my young child were to ever act anywhere in public the way these two have acted in a court of law, he would be punished and told how one should act in a respectful manner. Fortunately, my young son DOES know how to act.

Maybe the parents of these two should come and witness how their sons are acting. I have a feeling they would be dragged out by their ears and be scolded and treated like the little spoiled brats they are.

Can anyone on here tell me what steps I would need to take to put pressure on Chickamauga City Schools to get rid of the Lamb and the Wilson children.I know that they are both county students. Am I right in saying that it is Chickamauga's choice weather they go there or not.

Can't see that ever happening. The Chickamauga school system threw Tonya Craft under the bus as soon as an accusation was made and they won't be doing anything that could be construed as backing away from their original knee-jerk reaction. Preserving their image of the Utopian school system is their highest priority.

anonymous 8:36,Joal's whole life has been about cheating. He's cheated on every girlfriend, wife, etc that he's ever had. Everybody in Chattanooga knows his slimy reputation. This young girl that he's married was obviously so young that she didn't know anything about him. I looked at her facebook the other day, and it made me sick. She was referring to Tonya's kids as "her" children.

I'm following the trial right now on twitter (Calli Starnes, Melydia, Dennis Norwood). I sit in amazement at the level of expertise that just keeps on comin' for the defense. This would have to be humiliating for the prosecution and the CAC interviewers involved.

I have no idea. For me, I think we need to stick with what we know, not what we would like to know!

The business at hand is the set of false charges against a woman who is innocent of all of them. However, at some point in the future, certainly the behavior of the prosecution and its followers is fair game.

As a professional in this field, I remain stunned at both the prosecution and the Judge. I have testified many times in sexual assault cases (mostly for the prosecution) and have NEVER NEVER NEVER seen this level of childish and immature behavior by a judge or prosecution.

I just am stunned. Dr. Aldridge is incredibly well respected in our field. I have had the extreme pleasure of attending seminars she has spoken at and everyone I know of (at least out here) uses guidelines that she helped write.

ALL of us in this field want to catch and prosecute the "bad guys" to the full extent of the law. However, we do that with facts. Not what we want it to be, not what the parents want it to be, not even what the victim wants it to be. But rather what the truth is. I refuse categorically to make the facts I find fit ANYONE's notion of what they want. The facts are just that, facts.

These so called interviewers are unprofessional, ill educated and ill suited to be in this profession. They apparently have personal agenda's that they visit on children and parents alike.

There is nothing more dangerous to society than an agenda driven forensic investigator. They will without a doubt color or manufacture evidence to fit that agenda, and to hell with who they destroy in the process.

I wonder how many other children this facility has permanently damaged with their stupidly contrived "education" and sullied world view.

Another good witness on the stand for the defense! I knew these people in Catoosa County were bad, but I did not know just how bad they were until this. I am wondering how many people have been railroaded because of the likes of Tim Deal, Susie Thorn, Stacy Long and others???

Have you noticed how "outhouse" always takes a break right in the middle of the expert's testimony - without a warning at all. I mean they've only been in session for an hour and he's all of a sudden breaking. Maybe he drinks too much coffee in the mornings. lol

What's hard for me to understand is this. With all the crime there is to prosecute, why is this county going after people that are innocent?

They shouldn't have to railroad abuse and molestation cases to keep their dockets full. Crime is everywhere. If they just stuck to the facts and got the really guilty people, then they would be heroes instead of vermin.

Do you Feel it? Do you feel the case slippin' away from you Boys? The defense has brought the BIG GUNS out, and are shredding your flimsy case, and your clowns of investigators and prosecutors!!! I am so thoroughly impressed with Tonya's defense team. I truly believe when this case is over, there will be many books and case studies of the how to and how not to conduct an investigation. The Fratboy Three may even have an opportunity to write their own book. I would suggest a title of

"What not to do when trying to railroad someone who is innocent!"

or better yet,

"Know when you are defeated! saving face when the defense hands you your ass! a book for prosecutors when the defense rips your case apart with the truth!!!"

There might even be a New York Best Seller entitled,

"Truth for Tonya, When you absolutely, positively know you are innocent, you fight for it!"

This is the type of case all small town prosecutor's dream of. It is usually LOCALLY high profile and if they get that conviction they will use that as a basis to run for a higher office (Arnt already tried that).

What the fabulous three didn't realize is what happens when the case is scrutinized at a national level and that the defendant went out and found the BEST defense they could get.

I had a great friend ask me one day when I stormed into his office hot after being taken in a business deal... So, how much justice can you afford today.

Sad, but true. These idiots didn't count on Tonya to actually have a decent defense (no offense please to the local criminal defense guys). She did the incredibly smart thing to go and get a lawyer OUTSIDE of the good old boy network. He has no ties, nothing to lose (in regards to standing in the community, business, ect) and will fight to the wall for her.

Bravo to the defense, raspberry to the dynamic trio of idiots called the prosecution and judge.

I believe in my heart that when this case is over, Brian House is going to throw the prosecution team to the lions in hopes of saving his career... Too bad frat boy, we all know who is still piloting this boat in the direction of the waterfall... You time is coming too... If not now, 2012... I bet you won't get 5% of the vote, especially in your home county of Catoosa!!!!

It's obvious why we all are here. TO SUPPORT TONYA CRAFT !!!!!!!! We truly believe this woman has been set up and railroaded by her so called "friends" and the man who use to love her. I have prayed for this woman every day since I first heard about her as I am sure everyone else here has. I contacted the Truth For Tonya website and donated money to help her. This was one way I wanted to show my support. I am urging everyone to support her in this way too. This woman has lost everything !!!! and I know we can all rally together to help her. And just in case anyone is wondering I do NOT know her or anyone involved!!!!!!!

Just a question...when this is all over if they do convict her and it is overturned by an appeal, will it cause other similar cases presented by this same "team" to be reopened and possibly appealed also? I don't know much about legal stuff, but it seems that if they would go this length to convict Tonya, then it's not their first time doing it and other innocent people are suffering for it!

I think that CES will never throw the Lamb's or the Wilson kids out, but if they were smart enough to think about things - those kids actually hurt them financially. My child would NEVER sell anything of the crap they peddled because there was no incentive. She always knew that if there were any prizes to be had, the Wilson's would pay for their kid to win it. They would rather kiss the backside of these 2 losers than have the whole school of children working for them. It is really a morale blow for those kids. I can remember my mom buying a box of candy bars etc. to meet my quota, but they go above and beyond so no child stands a chance. They don't even try anymore. Maybe I'm wrong, but it is worth considering. Not that any piddly giftwrap sale etc. is worth a thought next to this, but CES should realize the dynamic duo don't do them as much good as they think. of course, I'm sure they were threatened too that if they didn't support them,their cash would walk too. If the Lamb's and all are so worried about the kids' protection - why don't they send them to some private school where they don't stand out? They say actress kid isn't a drama queen - and she may not be by what we consider after watching Paris Hilton etc., but the way she supposedly isolates herself is just as bad. I hope the whole lot leaves town. Then again, Kelli and Jerry probably don't have the cash stash and I doubt the Lamb's will pay for their kids school once they don't need them anymore.

I began this thinking a few weeks ago that with 22 counts against her, there was no way she could avoid conviction on at least some. My theory was that the defense was playing the numbers game. But after yesterdays testimony by Dr. A, and todays as well, I don't think, based on resonible doubt, they can possibly convict her of anything. At least I couldn't based on the tweets I have read of the testimony involved. I wondered yesterday, when I read some of the jurors were trying to cover up smiles when the Prosecutorial team and Defense where arguing if their minds werent already made up. I hope she overcomes this, I truly do. I wonder if there are stats on length of time a jury deliberates as to guilt or innocence? Mr. Anderson?

A prosecutor who wants publicity or political advancement dreams of Tom Wolfe's Great White Defendant. These child abuse witch hunts always have the GWD element. Nifong's behavior was straight out of Bonfire of The Vanities.

Most prosecutors spend their time on career criminal types and remain in obscurity. The ones who do the job right, you never hear about.

I have a question... I know everyone will probably think I am being naive, but I'm gonna say it anyway.do you think there is anyway that the parents of these alleged victims are listening to this expert testimony and maybe thinking, "could we have actually done this? could our panic and everything we did have created this in our daughters' heads?" I mean what do you think they are thinking when they are listening to these experts?

My rule on conspiracies is:Never ascribe to conspiracy what stupidity and self-interest will cover.

Dr. Anderson's blog post here demonstrates this eloquently. Mr. Arnt's preposterous conspiracy fantasy is not needed because the convergent self-interests of the prosecution "team" cover the actions of the team.

Convergent self-interest is the explanation here, not grand-conspiracy.

Thank you Mr. Anderson for showing the dark side of self-organising systems. what make the outcome of a self-organizing system is systemic incentives.

In this cass all the systemic incentives to the individual participants lead to actions which tend to "railroad Tonya".

The actions are cooperative, but not conspiratorial in the sense of shared motivation.

If the Henke's help or at least do not hinder Arnt, then they get the kids. If the CAC does not hinder Arnt, then the get to "do good" and get Mondale act money. If Arnt does not question the CAC "expertise", then he gets is much craved convicion.

The convergent self-interests of "Team Prosecution" not "conspiracy" explain the many actions used to railroad Tonya.

Hey Dynamic Doucebags,It's been a rough couple of days hasn't it? Any prosecutor worth his salt would have been convinced by now of the errors made and make a motion to drop the charges.

You guys are just a couple of sadists. How does it feel to be on the losing side for a change. It was always much easier with just the good ole boys in Ringgold pleading the cases for another notch on your resume. You can kiss that dreamed about judgeship goodbye and hopefully your law license.

Oh, by the way. Does anyone know what "The Man" has been doing? It seems like "Face" has been the only one in the spotlight for the last couple of days. Since you both are getting your asses handed to you in a paper sack, I guess you laying low.

I hope when the trial is over and people are doing interviews that they all do them with channel 3. I hope everyone boycotts channel 9. I know for many many years i have been faithful to channel 9, but after them continually insinuating she is guilty, even after experts have testified, I will not watch their news anymore!!! I hope all people will only give their interviews to channel 3 who deserve it for reporting the true evidence.

the best way to cover your own conspiracy is to accuse the other side of conspiracy. the best way to cover your own misconduct is to accuse someone else of that very misconduct. the best defense is a good offense. to ANON 11:29-- HELL NO and neither do they care. As long as they can blame someone else it is not their kids (or their)fault that they like to diddle each other.

The Chickamauga City School system does not care what anyone outside of its little circle thinks. If you need proof of this, wait until next week and see who they hire for a position that hasn't even been advertised as open.

Anon 11:29 - One could only hope that these parents are not so self serving that they cannot see the harm they have done to their own children. Not one single parent of these "alledged victims" would have the guts to review their own actions to see how it all led to this massacre of Tonya let alone actually admit to their faults.

It was asked earlier about the Lamb's money. Sandra Lamb's parents French and Francis Newton own Duplicator Supply Co. Sandra is on payroll but doesn't seem to ever be in the office. Greg Lamb is Sandra's husband. Also on payroll but cheats in fishing tourn too much to earn an honest living.

This family has the attitude that the world revolves around them and they are above the law.

What all this shows is that there is always a pack mentality when it comes to evil, death, and suffering in this world. In nature, sharks are attracted to blood,leading to a feeding frenzy where even an accidentally injured shark becomes part of the feeding frenzy.Wolves slowly track, follow, encircle, and separate their victim for the eventual slaughter of the weak. In this case, we have a group of small minded, ill educated, poorly qualified humans all form for what they percieved to be an easy kill. Instead, the common good people of this world have come together to find the strongest minds, hearts and souls available to defend a woman who was singled out for her talent, beauty, and excellence. For in truth, the pettiest of people seek to destroy those who they cannot ever be, and to destroy those whose values represent what they cannot ever understand, or comprehend. Tonya Craft has suffered so much simply for being the envy of others who can never be like her, or know she would never be attracted to them on a personal level, for she as a teacher and human being, has obviously in her career set out to be the best and brightest in the world that she knows. I am glad to see the tide is turning in Tonya's favor, and that we should all realize this is not just about her, but about the LMJC, the legal/judicial system it has made it's citizens suffer under as slaves to the evil we see in the perversion of American justice, not just in Catoosa County, but all of North Georgia.

Lookout @ 12:56,Thank you for those powerful words. I actuall teared up as I read them. They are so accurate and reflect Bill's post today. I hope the people of your community can throw off this yoke of slavery and begin to live more freely without the fear of persecution.

It is the States responsibility to prove, beyond resonable doubt, her guilt. They have no real physical evidence to do so. The testimony (i can't remeber which one) the she inserted her entire fist into her, is just not beleivable, in fact in not so sad, laughable. Especially since they were no corroborating Dr. visits. This is a he said she said case, with no real evidence. Shame on the prosecution for this. If this is the best the CAC could provide, charges should have been dropped.I suspect low funding for the CAC forces them into hiring underqualified people to do these jobs, who have to justify their existence to survive.

Your post hit home with me as did these snippets of the good doctor’s testimony.

“Dr Bernet refers to Det Tim Deal's "shoddy investigation."

Dr. Bernet says Det. Tim Deal tried to sniff out parental influence but did led a "shoddy investigation"

“Investigators should have talked to ALL the children who were frequently at #TonyaCraft 's house to compare w/ girls' stories,” something Crooked Deal did not do nor did he interview any of the fathers of the accusers. After all, his mind was made up and no evidence to the contrary was needed.

Crooked Deal made much of the fact that Mrs. Craft turned “purple” when confronted by him about these accusations. He made much of that color and I so wanted D-Lo to ask him what color falsely accused suspects usually turn when he makes his accusations.

The good doctor was much too kind to Catoosa County’s Barney Fife. He had made up his mind, gathered “evidence” from the CAC which supported his forgone conclusion and that was that. Shoddy is much too mild a term to describe the level of incompetence he demonstrated. Wonder if the good doctor will return Deal’s rear end now or keep it in a jar as trophy if he wants to.

Dr. Bernet says by re-phrasing what girl says in interview Det. Deal is "moving interview along" the way he wants.

This detective is SCUM. Plain and simple. How about him Summers, you still proud of this incompetent idiot? Of course you are because you still believe he did nothing wrong!In light of real experts saying he did makes you a bigger IDIOT.

Anon@1:05. Honestly, I had lost hope that things here would ever change, in fact they seemed to have gotten worse over the last 10 years. But, I' starting to have at least a glimmer of hope. I just hope after the trial, people don't slip right back into the cheap platitude of "they will have to answer to God some day, so nothing that I need to get involved with". That misguided attitude is far, far too prevalent here, and IMHO is a copout not only on their community, but also God and themselves too.

Dr. Bernet says by re-phrasing what girl says in interview Det. Deal is "moving interview along" the way he wants.

Dr. Bernet says Det. Tim Deal tried to sniff out parental influence but did led a "shoddy investigation" #

Please don't insult Barney Fife by comparing this incompetent, immoral, lying, piece of crap Deal with him. Barney was not a man (fictional) who thrived on destroying people's lives for his own personal benefit like Deal,

"After Lorandos and prosecutor Chris Arnt approached the bench to talk to Judge Brian House, prosecutor Len Gregor requested that the jury be dismissed for a moment while the meeting takes place. Court will now take a short break. Gregor asked Judge House if they could take the meeting to the judge's chamber and accused Lorandos of "playing to the media.”" -Adam Cook from catwalkchatt.com

Does anyone have another record for Gregor? The one he keeps playing seems to be broken.

D-Lo says the state doesn't want the jury to find out the therapist that counseled girls is mentally ill. #TonyaCraft

D-Lo says the state doesn't want the jury to find out the therapist that counseled girls is mentally ill. #TonyaCraft

Now they're going into closed chambers after ADA Len Gregor says "let's argue back here instead of playing to the media" #TonyaCraft----------------Playing to the media? Its the exact opposite...the persecution doesn't want the media, public and the jury to know what really happened. They need to take it back into the cover of darkness to obscure the truth. Shameful.

So wish that the three stooges would stop using the term "playing to the media". The man asks direct questions. He doesn't fling his arms, slam down books (btw, if you watch the tape, you can see Arnt trying to figure out what to do - body language says a lot), roll his eyes, shrug his shoulders, yell incoherently or generally make a complete ass out of himself. No one on the defense team has done that. I was actually trying to think of movies that these three dbags have been watching, but I can honestly say, I have never seen a movie where they even acted like this.

WOW! If they only knew exactly how many other attorneys & judges thought they were fools, they would probably poop their pants. Oh nevermind, I'm convinced that Gregor's bladder problems are really bowel problems. Hope the Depends hold up for you! Idiots!

If I remember correctly fom one of the blogs/tweets, when Detective Tim Deal was on the witness stand... Deal says he told girl she wouldn't get anyone in trouble by telling him anything. He points to Tonya and sys, "She got herself in trouble."Does this sound like someone who already had his mind made up? He certainly is not impartial.

Deal is probably just like the rest of this crowd and was already fantasizing about a Rosco P. Coltrane Sheriff's shiny star on his puffed up chest in just a few more years as long as Boss Hogg was ok with it. Oh, wait a minute, Jeff Mullis is Boss Hogg up there, and he doesn't appear to be involved in this (although he did donate money to House's campaign, so a poor judge of character and intelligence at best).

When this is all said and done, Mullis should be the one introducing legislation to require by law that qualified interviewers are used, etc, etc, etc, but I wouldn't hold my breathe on it.

I’ve been following your antics for a couple of weeks now. I’ve seen all the lies you have spread, and frankly, I have partaken in the fun…laughing at your expense. But it dawned on me today that there are innocent people being put in the middle of this. You have lied! You have incited violence against innocent people! YOU ARE PUTTING INNOCENT PEOPLE IN HARM’S WAY.

So, you think Tonya Craft is innocent. That is fine. Even if she is “wrongfully” convicted, she will live on, albeit in prison. But what you are doing here, flaming an ignorant public, and knowingly flaming an ignorant public, may cause good people to get hurt, or worse. IF SOMEONE IS HURT, IT IS YOUR FAULT, WILLIAM ANDERSON. THERE WILL BE BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS! You, and only you, will have to answer to the God you pretend to worship. We live in a fallen world, man…get over yourself! I pray that you are man enough to admit your faults.

About Me

I teach economics at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland. We are located on the Allegheny Plateau, and we have cool summers and tough winters.
I am the single father of five children, four of them adopted from overseas and I have two grandchildren. My family and I are members of Faith Presbyterian Church (PCA).